Broadway, presidential portrayals highlight new Prairie Center season
Broadway favorites, presidential portrayals and "Duck Dynasty goes to Carnegie Hall" highlight the Spring 2018 lineup for the Schaumburg Prairie Center for the Arts.
The lineup, a continuation of the center's 32nd season of arts and entertainment, features a blend of legends, tributes, comedy and cultural performances.
Leading off is "Lincoln the Storyteller," starring Kevin Wood, on Feb. 11. As portrayed by Wood, Lincoln will share some of his favorite stories, anecdotes, and jokes, interweaving them with the nation's history. A Q&A with Lincoln will follow the presentation. The 1 p.m. show has sold out, but a 3 p.m. performance has been added and tickets remain available.
"Broadway Live!" tours its way into the Prairie Center on Sunday, Feb. 25, featuring a nostalgic journey through the classic moments of The Great White Way, brought to life by six phenomenal leading Broadway artists from productions like "Les Miserables," "Phantom of the Opera," "Wicked" and "Jersey Boys."
On Sunday, March 4, The 3 Redneck Tenors bring their musical comedy show described as "Duck Dynasty goes to Carnegie Hall" to the Prairie Center. Since their big debut as top finalists on "America's Got Talent," the tenors have been thrilling audiences with their vocal prowess and a smorgasbord of songs and music ranging from Gospel to country to Broadway, pop, and classical.
Angela Ingersoll will capture the emotional power and presence of Judy Garland in "Judy Garland: Come Rain or Come Shine" on March 10.
The award-winning duo of Brian FitzGerald and Martin McCormack perform as Switchback for a St. Paddy's Day Concert on Saturday, March 17. Drawing on traditional Celtic music and original Americana songs, their music reflects their Irish heritage and Midwestern roots.
Another president from years past visits the Prairie Center April 7, when Clay Jenkinson stars in "Theodore Roosevelt and the National Parks." The 26th president's parks legacy, which continues more than 100 years later, is examined by Jenkinson, a Roosevelt historian and portrayer.
Sons of the Never Wrong with Michael Miles take the stage on Saturday, April 14. Hailed as a "dynamic, original harmony vocal trio," their original, whimsical folk songs feature master banjoist and composer Michael J. Miles.
Tickets for all shows are available at www.prairiecenter.org or by calling the box office at (847) 895-3600. The Prairie Center is located at 201 Schaumburg Court, Schaumburg.
This season the Prairie Center is offering an opportunity to get the most out of the theatergoing experience with a VIP ticket program. The purchase of a $25 VIP ticket (in addition to your ticket purchase for the show), will guarantee seating in first six rows, a private "Meet and Greet" reception with artists either before or after performance, a commemorative ID and lanyard, and custom giveaway for each show.
Visit www.prairiecenter.org for details.
Since ticket sales cover only about half the cost of bringing entertainment to the center each season, The Prairie Center Arts Foundation supports the theater's efforts, as well as youth programs and programs that provide access to the performing arts to at-risk youth and underserved in the community.
The Foundation's events this year include Building Steam on Feb. 22, featuring teams of students and professional artists creating sculptures with parts provided by area manufacturing companies.
Spirits of the Prairie on Friday, April 6, is an annual tasting event that includes samplings of the best in craft beers, locally made spirits, and delicious bites from area restaurants.
The Screen Test Student Fest on April 20 and 21 is a local film fest with an international scope.
Closing out the season April 22 is Senior Follies, Schaumburg's annual variety show spotlighting the impressive talents of area seniors.